THE BEGINNING:
The genesis of the Maroochy Sea Serpents (MSS) can be traced back to one person's wish to establish a dragon boat and outrigging club on the Sunshine Coast. After an alliance was sought and negotiated with the Brisbane River Dragons (BRD), a very experienced and highly accomplished club who paddle on the Brisbane River, a satellite club was set up and operated from Fishermans Road, Maroochydore.
From a group which was very small in members but highly motivated, the numbers grew quickly. After a short time, a desire to set up our own club was devised.
Discussions followed as to how this may be achieved. As a result, a steering committee had been formed earlier comprising Ange Brown, Annette Coulston and Steve McLennan where a number of recommendations were formulated with the intent of putting them before a meeting. On the 17th August, 2014 an inaugural meeting of 34 interested persons was held. This meeting was an opportunity to place all pertinent information to the group with the intent of moving forward and forming an incorporated club.
At this point, there was unanimous approval from the meeting to move forward. A committee was then elected to progress incorporation and registering the club with the governing body of Queensland Dragon Boat Federation. All relevant paperwork was submitted and the Maroochy Sea Serpents were incorporated and after some time and a few roadblocks, we were affiliated with Queensland Dragon Boat Federation in early October, 2014.
Once it became known that MSS was in the process of incorporation, we received applications from a number of very experienced paddlers, coaches and sweeps who wished to join us.
Since that time, we have been blessed to have a number of strong, committed and professional committees.
THE PRESIDENTS:
Since the MSS’s formation in 2014, the Presidents and the period of time they have spent in office are as follows:
Wayne FOWLER 2014-2015
Ange BROWN 2015-2016
Kerry PICKERING 2016-2018
Blair GAMBLE 2018
Steve THIRY 2019-2020
John COOPER 2021-2023
Robyne MCNIECE 2023-2024
John COOPER 2024-2025
Jackie STEWART 2025-2026
As with any organisation there are other numerous people that work behind the scenes and make the organisation more professional and more inclusive for all members.
HISTORY:
Our members at over time have been a varied group of people ranging in ages from 15 years to over 85 years old, from a wide cross section of the community and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, education and employment. At our peak the total membership stood at about 150 paddlers and support personnel. At this peak our membership included students, young professionals and retired members of the community. An important group within the club was our ‘Breast Cancer Survivors’, ladies who have been struck down with breast cancer, and their supporters, who used the club as a focal point in their recovery and camaraderie.
The club had grown to the extent that we had a ‘satellite’ group for a number of years at Tennyson in Brisbane, to ease the travel burden on those members who originally made the trip for training on the Sunshine Coast. This also enabled us to strike up an alliance with the Pamphlett/Tennyson Scouting Group.
In December, 2020, our satellite club in Brisbane wished to go their own way and form their own club. This was done amicably and they now paddle under the name of Brisbane Typhoons.
In May, 2021 the Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast Club, left MSS and formed their own entity, The Sunshine Coast Dragons Abreast - Mavericks Dragon Boat Club. We get to catch up with them regularly as they still train out of the Maroochy Waterfront and Conference Centre.
OUR MEMBERS:
In recognition of members who make a huge difference to our club, by their efforts and assistance, the Board instigated a yearly award in 2021 named the ‘Spirit of the Serpent’:
Alby EVERETT 2020 / 21
Paulie BUCKMAN. 2021 / 22
Peter LIDDY 2022 / 23
Alby GAY 2023 / 24
Rowly Spiteri. 2024 / 25
Since our inception two members have been recognised for their valuable input and assistance by the awarding of Life Membership:
Alby GAY 2020
Andrew MCVITTIE 2024
